Collapsible beach tent



Feb. 19, 1957 G. BLANKENSHIP, JR n 2,781,767

coLLAPsIBLE BEACH TENT 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed OCT.. 12, 1954 IN VEN TOR.

1 BY @na m"- ad/W imm Feb- 19, 1957 G. BLANKENsl-"P, JR 2,781,767

coLLAPsIBLE BEACH TENT 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fild 061'.. 12, 1954 Guy B/an/rens/p, Jr INVENToR.

Feb. 19,1957 G. BLANKENSHIP, JR 2,781s767 COLLPSIBLE BEACH TENT y Filed Oct. 12, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR.

coLLAPsIBLE BEACH TENT Guy Blankenship, Jr., Pasadena, Tex.

Application October 12, 1954, Serial No. 461,873

Claims. (Cl. 13S-7.1)

This invention comprises novel and useful improvements in a collapsible beach tent and in general relates to that type of device and constitutes an improvement over the invention disclosed in the prior .patent of W11- liam W. Peery, Patent No. 2,543,597 granted on February 27, 1951.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a collapsible beach tent or beach tent and sunshade having an improved collapsible -supporting framework whereby the device may be readily collapsed into a small size for convenient transportation and storage.

One suitable embodiment of a collapsible cabana incorporating therein the principles of this invention has been included by way of illustration only in the accompanying drawings, wherein: k

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing from one side the improved beach tent in accordance with this invention in its erected position for use;

Figure 2 is a top plan view `of the beach tent of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a perspective View showing the beach tent in its collapsed positionv for convenient transportation and storage;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the collapsible supporting framework in the erected position of the beach tent, corresponding to that of Figure l, the covering of the framework being omitted therefrom; Y n

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the beach tent after the folding or collapsing operation has been started, the arrows indicating the direction of folding movement of the Various parts of the beach tent; n

Figure 6 is a 'front elevational view of the beach tent when folded in the position of Figure 5, certain concealed parts being shown indotted lines therein;`

Figure 7 is a fragmentaryidetailedperspective viewl of a portion of the roof ridge pole, the supporting legs and the supporting arms of one'por'tion of the framework of the Ibeach tent; Y Y Y Figure 8 is a perspective detailed view showing the manner in which a bra-ce is swivelly connected -to one'of the legs of the beach tent framework; n

Figure 9 is a perspective view ysh'r'rwing the manner in which the coveringvis secured toa frame member of the beach tent; f e 'f Figure 10 is a perspective vi-ew from the'bottom of the beach `tent framework, the-coveringbeingomitted ltherefrom, in the erect position ofthefdevice'and imprepararows indicating the direction lofrncivementy of 'portions of the framework; f 1^ f f Figure ll is-a view similar t-oFigure` 1 0 but showing a further step in the folding'operationj Figure 12 is a view similar 'to'Figure' 11 but showing the next succeeding stepin the folding of the framework; and l l t Figure 13 is a perspective view showing -the'framework in its completely folded position.

As shown in. Figurek Lgthe collapsiblefbeachtent in nited States Patent O tion for the tirst step in the;collapsingopeiation, the'art i 2,781,767 Patented Feb. 19, 1957 ICC accordance with this invention is designated generally by the numeral 10, the same consisting of a cover of any suitable, pliable material such as canvas, or the like, mounted upon a collapsible supporting frame Which is designated generally by the numeral 12 and which frame is shown in the opened or erected position of the beach tent.

The covering consists `of a pair of coextensive homologous roof panels 14 and 16, each of which comprises a pentagon having a common base or folding portion 18. Extending between the corresponding side edges of the two roof portions and to the ends of the folded base portion 18, the covering material includes a pair of identical side panels or end panels each designated by the numeral 20. Referring now more specifically to Figures 1 and l() with reference to the collapsible framework 12, it will be seen that the latter consists of rods or rod-like members of any -suitable character and size, and includes a ridge pole 22 to which the fold 18 of the covering material is secured and which constitutes a horizontal supporting member about which fand from opposite sides of which extend the two top panels 14 and 16.

Referring now more particularly to the detailed view of Figure 7, it will be seen that the opposite ends of the ridge pole have rigidly secured thereto or pivotally secured if desired, a pair of hinge bars comprising transver-sely disposed plates or bars 24. Extending through the middle `of each bar 24 and into the ends `of the ridge pole 22 are eye bolts 26 to which are swivelly connected the upper ends of a pair of legs 28 and30. At their lower ends these legs are preferably pointed as at 32 in order that they may be forced into 'the ground wherebythe ridge pole and the two supporting legs 28 and 30 `will be disposed in an erect substantially `LJ-shaped configuration.

As will be further seen from Figure 7, 'a chain or other equivalent member 34 is suitably attached to the ridge pole adjacent each endl of the latter, and to a correspondving portion of each of the legs'28 and 30 to limit outward swinging movement of the same. Thus, the legs may be folded outwardly to position the framework in its erected or open position, with the chains limiting such outward movement, while the legs may be readily folded inwardly during the collapsing 4of the awning as set forth in detail.

It will be observed that the legs 2 8 and30 are capable of a swivelling movement in various positions..

' Pivoted to Vthe opposite ends of each of Vthe transverse bars 24 as by rivets or other pivot members 36, are a pair `of arms 38 and 40 which are thus pivoted to one end of the ridge p ole 22, and 42 and 44 which are pivoted to the other end of the same. By means of their pivotal connection to the transverse bars 24, ,these arms are restrained to pivoting movement in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the ridge pole, as will be readily understood from Figure 7.

There are also provided at each end of the ridge pole a pair of brace rods or braces 46 and 48 which are respectively pivoted to the arms 38 and 40, and to the leg 28; and a further set of braces or brace rods 50 and 52 which in turn are pivoted to the arms 42 and'44 respectively and to the leg 30. As shown inthe detailed'view of Figure 8, each of the 'braces such as the 'brace 48 is-swivelly, connected as at 54, as by a pair `of inter-engaged eye bolts, to one of the supporting legs such as the leg 28.` It is also intended that the opposite ends of yeach of the brace rods shall be swivelly connected 'to each of the arms 38, 40, 42 or 44. Thus .the brace rods are freely swivelly connected at their opposite ends to the supporting legs and to the pivoted arms of the collapsible frame.

There are also provided two pairs of connecting rods or bars to complete the collapsible frame of the beach tent. Thus, a pair of rods 56 and 58 are suitably pivotally or swivelly connectedvto each other andV attheirgopv posite ends are similarly connected to the arms 38 and 42 at the ends of the latter. A similar pair of connecting bars 60 and 62 are likewise connected to each other and to the ends of the arms 40 and 44.

From the various figures of the drawings, it will now be apparent that the framework to which the two roof panels 14 and 16 are attached include a common member, the ridge pole 22 and pentagonal shaped frames of pivotally connected members 44,` 62, 60 and 49 for the panel 14 and 42, 58, 56 and 38 for the panel i6.

The sheet of covering material may be secured in any desired manner to the rod-like members of the supporting framework. As Vshown in the detailed View of Figure 9, which may be considered to be a portion of the supporting framework and covering material for the roof panelA 14, the material `may be folded about one of the rods such as the rod 62 and secured thereon as by stitching or the like as shown at 64. However, the actual manner for attaching the covering material to the supporting framework is not to `be considered as constituting a limitation upon the principles of this invention.

In its erected position, and as will be more readily apparent from Figures l, 2 and 4, the tent-like beach tent is adapted in operation to be disposed with its supporting legs 28 and 30 imbedded in the earth and with the roof panels 14 and 16 elevated to provide a space therebeneath for use by bathers upon the beach or the like. Obviously, either panel 14 or 16 may be positioned to constitute the roof or front portion of the beach tent while the other panel may have its pointed extremity resting upon the ground and constituting the back wall or panel of the beach tent. It will be observed by particular reference to the drawings that the end or side panels comprise each two triangular sections 70 and 72v which are connected to the supporting leg 28 and 74 and 76 which are connected to the other supporting leg Sil. The two triangular sections of each end panel, owing to the outward and downwardly diverging relationship of the supporting legs 28 and 30 form dihedral angles producing an intermediate lateral forging outward of the end panels.

When it is desired to collapse the beach tent from the erected position of Figures l, 2 and 4, with the frame of the beach tent being initially disposed in a position shown in Figure 10, the following operation is preformed: i

The two supporting legs 28 and 30 are pivoted inwardly towards each other as-shown by the arrows in Figure ll which illustrates the framework of the beach tent when the latter is turned upside down for collapsing purposes and is indicated by thc arrows in Figure 5. When these legs are swung toward each other, the dihedral angle made by the triangular sections of the two end panels is reversed by the movement of the supporting legs from outside the line drawing the extremities of the corresponding arms to positions inside aV line drawing these extremities. Thus, the end panels are folded about their medial axes which lie upon the supporting legs 28 and 30, as will be best apparent from Figure l1.

Y apparent from a consideration of Figure 13.

position, the two roof panels 14 and 16 are disposed in closely folded position which are congruent with each other as shown in Figure 3, and with the sides or ends of the beach tent being folded inwardly between the two collapsed roof panels. The position of the collapsible supporting framework in this final collapsed position will be In the collapsed position it will be observed that the beach tent is disposed in a pentagonal shape, with the base of the pentagon consisting of the ridge pole 22, with the two upper converging sides of `the pentagon consisting of the sets of connecting rods 60, 62 for one panel and 56, 58 for the other panel, while the arms 38 and 4l? lying upon each other constitute one outwardly upwardly diverging side of the pentagon and the arms 44, 42 constitute the other corresponding side. The two supporting legs, lying between the above members, extending from the opposite ends of the ridge pole 22 to cross each other and extend beyond the sides of the beach tent.

in order to erect or assemble the beach tent into its operative position, the rst operation previously described is utilized.

It will be observed that the present invention provides a sturdy but easily collapsible supporting framework which can be easily converted from a compact collapsed position for transportation or storage into a substantially rigid erected position for use.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will `be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What isr claimed as new is as follows:

1. A collapsible tent comprising a foldable frame having a pliable covering secured thereto, said frame including a straight one-piece horizontal ridge pole, a pair of straight one-piece legs yfoldably attached to the ends of said ridge poles, a pair of straight one-piece arms hinged to each end of said ridge pole at opposite sides thereof, brace rods pivoted to each arm and to one of said legs, said tent. in its collapsed position having said legs folded across each other and said arms being pivoted into an Voutwardly inclined position from the ends of the ridge pole to form the sides of the collapsed tent, and said brace rods being folded between the top panels whereby the entire tent is folded into the area of one of the roof panels.

2. A collapsible tent and beach shelter comprising a foldable frame having a pliable covering secured thereto,

i said frame including a straight, one-piece ridge pole, a

This movement of the supporting framework is per- A ,mitted since although the arms 38, 40 and 42, 44 are limited to pivotal swinging movement in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ridge pole 22, the brace members 46, 4S, 50 and 52 yas Well as the connecting members 56, 58, and 62 are free to pivot Vand swivel as required. From the position ofFigures 5 and' 11, the supporting legs 28 and 30 are moved from their partially collapsed position, in which they are disposed in substantially parallel relation, to a position in which they cross each otheras shown in the intermediate pair of straight, one-piece legs each swivelly connected and foldably attached to an end of said ridge pole, each end of said ridge pole having a pair of arms hingedly connected thereto and on opposite sides thereof, a brace rod for each arm, said brace rod having its ends pivoted to an arm and toa leg. p

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said covering includes a pair of roof `panels connected at adjacent edges to Ysaid ridge pole, each roof panel being connected to the pair of arms pivoted Vto opposite ends of the ridge pole and at the' same side thereof.

4. The combination of claim2 wherein said covering includes a pair of roof panels connected at adjacent edges to said vridge pole, each roof panel being connected to the pair of arms pivoted to opposite ends of the ridge pole and at the same side thereof, said covering further ineluding a pair of end panels at opposite ends of the ridge pole, each end panel being secured to a leg and to the pair of arms and the pair of brace rods pivoted to that leg.

5. The combination of claim 2 wherein said covering References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Braun Mar. 19, 1901 Marshall Feb. 4, 1936 

